THIS COULD BE MY FAVORITE!! Ex Metal Elitist Reacts to Nightwish "Ghost River" 

Outside of Finland, Emppu is criminally underrated as a guitarist, he is an absolute legend ❤

The face you make once you realize that Floor is doing some nasty growls is gold 😂 She's a beast and Emppu is on fire as always on guitar

Floor and the guys are amazing, but for me what makes Nightwish truly unique is the way Tuomas Holopainen composes the music. You can listen to a song a hundred times and you can still find something new, unexpected, a small detail, a tone, a sound you never noticed before. He can create complex, symphonic pieces with orchestral arrangements that at the same time are catchy, with amazing riffs. A true genius.

This is one of the highlight songs of a legendary set. Emppu is a terrific guitarist. In a world where metal guitarists often get histrionic (and sometimes in a good way), Emppu just gets on with it, plays for the song, and is also - and we can tell because he is working with often complex compositions - a faultlessly gifted player. The fact that he is also this impish character, seeming to have the most fun on stage, adds another dimension.

Marko's addition to the band brought them to another level, and he really is a great guy to grab a beer with. We hung out for about 10 minutes when they played Charlotte many many years ago, and then when he was in Atlanta playing with Tarot we stayed at the same hotel and ended up apparently having the same smoke break schedule because we ran into each other several times outside. Very humble guy and appreciative of fans. He'll be sorely missed in Nightwish.

I'm so glad you noticed Emppu. He is often underrated, but such a great, and valuable, player. Marko has so many voices, you never know which one is going to come up in these videos. He's a true talent, added greatly to the uniqueness of Nightwish. I admire the way he can sing, and at the same time be playing away on that bass, not even looking down at it, most of the time. Man knows his instruments, vocal and instrumental, that's for sure. I think a watch party at 3,000 is a wonderful idea.

This is a great song. "..dark, evil, beautiful, haunting, Ghost Freaking River..."

When Floors hits >that< note it's like angels pouring the sweetest honey in your ears. Chills. Every time.

the broken little "how..?" at 6:10 was so relatable hahahaha

Emppus homage to Van Halen with the Riff makes me smile everytime. 😊 Legendary concert with probably the best iteration of the band, memberwise.

It's great to see you enjoying your journey to the performances Nightwish

Nightwish is brutal, too brutal beautiful ;)

You are one of the few that reacted immediately to Floor's Growl in this song !

Emppu is such an immensely talented guitarist, and it is just amazing the huge sound Nightwish puts out with only one guitar player. And it's a kick watching him perform, such a joyful soul and his antics are hilarious. I'm always looking to see where he is on the stage because the guy never stays in one place very long :)

If you want to hear more Marko his band Tarot is epic,the song Tides is beautifull And he did a ft in the band Waltari,the song Below zero amazing

Don't you know that Floor GROWLS !! Do "Yours is an empty hope".

Pure magic Thanks for the reaction

Yep, Floor growls too.

Great reaction as always. We have a little standing joke in the Nightwish army, but I never get tired of saying it: the next Nightwish song you hear will be your favourite! This song shows off the great vocal strength of Floor and Marco. With Floor showing off her full vocal range. Starting with gritty rock then the beautiful mid range backing of Marco’s part and even throwing in a couple of growls. Then we have Marco giving power and grit. It’s great that you give Emppu a mention. He’s kind of the unsung hero of the band. Content to give the song just what it needs and not show off. But, as he showed in “Romanticide”, he can shred with the best of them. Keep ‘em coming. Really enjoying your Nightwish journey.

Emppu is a riff machine with some great solos here and there ❤ If you watch him he is often smiling and when you get to "I want my tears back" let's see if you can spot his shenanigans 😂 Well people will tell you anyway in the comments 😂 Great reaction 🤘

Dead boys poem

When Floor joined the group, she took them to a level not seen before!!!

The whole band just on fire and Floor moving like the goddess she is.

Well done, Dude! My favourite Nightwish song is always the one I listen to! 😂❤🤘

Dark and beautiful. ''Bless the child'' is my favorite in this concert.

This was the best line-up of band members

One of the most epic NW songs (among a massive list of epics). This performance of it is just amazing. The contrast of the vocals, the drums, keys, and guitars are just all perfect. This songs kicks serious butt. Great reaction. Looking forward to the next one. Greetings from the Nightwish Army (Sydney, Australia Division) 🤘🇦🇺

Emppu's tone is ridiculous. Huge sound from just one guitar.

She's simply a goddess.

Marko is almost as versatile as Floor, he can do a spine-chilling evil demon voice as well as sing very tenderly like in "While your lips are still red". Him and Floor singing together was a match made in music heaven. And yes Emppu A.K.A the electric hobbit is awesome. Not the flashy type of guitarist but he does exactly what the song needs, no more, no less while goofing around with the others and the crowd. When i saw them in Stockholm june 3rd he made Floor laugh in the beginning of "Nemo", it was hilarious.

Your favorite Nightwish song is the last one you heard.

Definitely one of the top 4 NW songs ever.

Awesome song. Watch the Phantom of the Opera. The 2005 version with Tarja. Then Beste Zangers (a Dutch TV show) it has Floor singing with Henk Port(the long-time Dutch Phantom), who was a childhood idol of Floors. Then, the 2022 version. \m/

I love watching you discover another favorite song! It takes me back to when I was discovering Nightwish and Floor.

Nightwish army Texas here!😉

One of my favorites is the right word because they all are

Fun fact Empuu has a blackbelt in judo and have won a bronze-medal in nordic championship in youth and two gold-medals in the finnish championship for youth

Another soul fall in love with Floor's voice 😂 told you bro!!! She is just AWESOME and wait to listen her growls or her full operatic mode Cheers and love from NIGHTWISH ARMY COSTA RICA DIVISIÓN 🤘💀🇨🇷

Man, your face is an absolute picture every time and I'm totally here for it : )

Great reaction. I was visiting Nightwish's home town Kitee last tuesday. There were three Emppu's old guitars in the towns Nightwish exhibition. Emppu's purple Ew1from dark Passion play tour. White guitar from century child. And wood colour cs 780 guitar from wishies from eternity tour. And also Marco's douple neck from endless forms most beautiful tour. It was great exhibition. Lot of Nightwish's rewads was also set in there.

Hey Cosmic. Just make sure when you watch The Greatest Show on Earth, you watch the Tampere version. It is visually superior and the audio mixing is top notch! So far you are doing a fantastic job. 🤟

One of things i love about Nightwish, Floor Jansen aside, is that there is no weak link in this band. Every member is superb and plays their respective instruments phenomenally. Im come far too late to the Nightwish army (late last year) and now i fear i might never get to see them live but at least we're all lucky enough to have so many amazing yt videos to be able watch! Keep up the wholesome, awesome reaction videos dude! Love from the Uk!

❤❤Amazing Nightwish ❤❤ Greetings from South Africa 😊

If you enjoy Marko singing, I highly recommend that you do their tribute to Pink Floyd and the song "High hopes". From the End of an era show. And yes, Emppu plays not one but two amazing solos on that one.

Nightwish at Wacken 2013 was sooo wow.... So sad that Marco is gone 😥

I'm eagerly waiting for "The Greatest Show on Earth", I'm surprised you haven't seen it yet. This is one of their pinnacles, and when you do watch it, you'll absolutely agree.

It's amazing to see how much your channel has grown and love this video

The poet and the pendulum...cant wait

You should check out Floor's guest appearance on Soilwork's Let This River Flow song from the Live in the Heart of Helsinki video. She can get HEAVY when she lets it rip. Soilwork is also incredible, so this is my sneaky way to try to get someone to react to them lol

Yeah, this song is an emotional journey between darkness and light

I believe that the lighting technique on Marko where he's lit from underneath is similar to what Universal Pictures used on Bela Lugosi in "Dracula"...

So you caught those growls? Yeah, that was Floor!

We all love Marko, and Emppu and Floor and Tuomas and Yukka…and Troy of course

I have to laugh. I went through a similar journey when I re-discovered Nightwish a few years back, and the whole favorite song being the one to which you're currently listening is so very true. Tuomas is the greatest composer of my lifetime, and the fact you have yet to hear either of his two magnum opus' makes me anticipate your reaction. For about four decades or more, I considered "The Gates of Delirium" by Yes as the greatest composition I had ever heard ... then came "The Greatest Show on Earth" by Nightwish. I like deep menaing and thought, and I like challenges to my knowledge and education. TGSOE is all of that. The depth of knowledge in that song leaves many reactors wondering what the hell it's saying to them, and in all honesty, it takes some research. It is not a song to simply tap your toe while listening, it stimulates your brain and makes you question your existence. Tuomas has a unique ability to do that. Imagine the entire history of mankind in 21 minutes. I highly suggest when you get to this point on your journey, you watch both available versions, first Tampere and then Wembley in that order. They each have unique features and subtle differences, yet the precision of the band and composition is astounding. I also suggest paying heavy attention to the lyrics and how the music relates to them. You are likely going to need to look a few references up to fully grasp the significance of the story. I fully believe that one should receive college credit in evolutionary science for listening to this song and comprehending it. Ghost River is an absolute brilliant piece. Emppus' little bunny hop at the beginning of the breakdown is my favorite Nightwish moment, but damn, he just kicks ass all song long. It's a dark theme, a dark story, and Floor even growls over Marcos' clean singing, but the interchange between them is breathtaking. They are perfectly matched and I miss their collaboration so very much. Nice reaction, Cosmic!! Having great fun watching you and you've definitely earned this new sub!

Hey Cosmic, great reaction man! I feel exactly what you're saying. With this Wacken performance in particular, I cannot get enough and just keep watching it over and over. Every song is fire. It's so addicting.

I got to say, this song is just sooooo POWERFUL!!!! Floor truly is an enchantress, and an extraordinarily potent one at that. I would love to have a Wacken 2013 party, where we watch the concert all the way through. It is an experience. Listening to these songs individually gives you a good idea of the power of that show, but man.... watching the show in its entirety, from beginning to end, is so incredible and life-changing. Seriously

A watch party would be great for the 3k suscibers! 🤘🤘🤘 The Nightwish Army will arrive!

Yours Is An Empty Hope in Mexico City

I think it’s time for Devil and the deep dark ocean man !!!! 🤘

If you like Marco singing, you should listen to “while your lips are still red” from Wembley 👍🏼

Hi, very beautiful reaction, thank you

The best riff of NIGHTWISH's career if you ask me... enriched by the on-point duo on vocals, and the face-melting solo section! Whoever said MIGHTWISH [I'm keeping this typo, haha!] is not "metal" enough, should listen well. Plus, Floor gets in her wistful line or two, that suddenly reveals you, the listener, are human - and she pierces your soul. Again. Also, you are good with words, man. I like how you comment and state the important things, not just in music. Props.

I was watching your other videos and I immediately thought you would love this song. Glad to see you react to it.

Well done! It's people like you that make the Nightwish army such an awesome family to belong to. Much love brother 🤗

I can't wait for you to get to "Yours is an empty hope" to hear new sounds from both Floor and Marko 😅

Just say the word and I will be there for a live Wacken party. Many Nightwish songs have Marko and Floor playing opposing roles in the story of the song. IMHO - I think the Ghost River is a metaphor for each of our journey's of life. It is not an easy ride. There are twists and turns, ups and downs, all the while we attempt to hold on to our innocence of youth and joie de vivre. Marko is playing the role of the dark river spirit who warns of all of the hazards in this journey if you decide to accept the challenge. All through copious usage of imagery and metaphors. While Floor is playing the role of the nurturing mother Gaia spirit who encourages us to make the journey. Come across the river to the other shore. It is the only way to live. Dare the torrent of the river and reach for your dreams. "Beautifully shy as your are, Never lose your heart and do come across"!

I mean, it's just mind blowing stuff 🤘

Your super exaggerated expressions and reactions during the video were hilarious. It’s a rocking song, isn’t it?

To hear more intense Marko, see the band's tribute to Pink Floyd with High Hopes, live End Of An Era 2005! A rendition so great, even David Gilmour is a fan!

Figured this would be up your alley. It's a magnificent song rooted in folklore. Tuomas just does a genius job of evoking these emotions in his music. And the band just....makes it come to life. It's gotta be an amazing feeling. Then, for a while, he had the luxury of Marko and Floor.....I mean....what can't you do? Empuu is a virtuoso guitar talent. We should all enjoy our jobs as much as he enjoys his. And Jukka holds everything together on drums. It's a dream team.

Anyone who wants to go get a beer and a cheeseburger is good with me. Enjoyable reaction as always.

Love your reaction 🤘🤘 and these guys are absolutely AWESOME

Greetings Cosmic. Yeah, Marko does show a different side to him on this one, but consider the lyrics.... They are dark, and he fits the part perfectly! On the angelic side, Floor? Well, she's just doing Floor things. 'Nuff said. As I commented in a previous video, Emppu might be just one guitar player, but when he's playing? He's raising hell! He has that distinct sound that I thoroughly enjoy as well. Very chunky, very gritty, and just the right tone to complement everything else going on. For that I give him much credit! After all, he did have a say in designing that guitar including sound. So in all fairness, safe to say that guitar is an extension of his soul when it comes to this band. Let's not forget to give kudos to the metal Mozart himself for writing such a masterpiece. If "light & dark" isn't the very definition of symphonic metal, then Tuomas' compositions definitely are. Also, shoutout to Pip Williams and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London's The Metro Voices and Young Musicians Children's Choir for their part in working with Tuomas as they are just as big a part of the backbone of this band as any of the 6 members in it. And last but certainly not least..... Jukka, we miss you!! ❤️❤️ As far as the watch party, look up Nightwish Watch Party Livestreams (there are quite a few), and have a Q & A with them on how to go about this as this will be your first. On that note..... Thank you for the video, reaction and comments. Stay safe and stay blessed. Till next time. 😊❤️🤘🤘

Another one that is on my top Nighwish list is Weak Fantasy (live at Tampere). It`s such an incredible song and the lyrics.. I`ll let you figure out what they mean :)

Someone else on youtube reacting to Nightwish called Empu 'The Tickle Guy', because he goes around and touches the other band members when he isn't playing the guitar. lol. Empu is always in for a joke. Not sure if it was at Wacken, but one time he pulled the plug to Floor's ear piece while she was dancing. lol.

Great reaction as always. if you reacting to Islander I would recommend you do the 'Live in Tampere' one.

There's about three or four Nightwish songs where Marko is doing like either the devil or you know the evil person and floor is doing you know the angel or a mermaid........ A lot of their life performances it's kind of like Halloween meets Christmas!!!! Wait until you hear the song after this you might just lose your mind altogether but I'm not going to tell you why LOL

Hey Wolfman, nice you FEEL the music 🤘🏻

That was f!@#ing awesome.

Masterpiece, again onley one guitar player Emmpu

I'm sure you had a Floorgasm there at one point . A great song with Floor soaring legato over Marcos gritty staccato. Notice how Floor does a little growl at one point, while being slinky and sultry in other parts. In Floors part I particularly like the bit after the childrens' choir where she goes into the long high note starting absolutely straight and gradually adding vibrato. Masterful vibrato and breath control. This is from the Imaginaerum album and this show is part of the Imaginaerum tour To go with this there is a full length Nightwish feature film also of the same name. Dark but compelling, with the band taking roles throughout That film gives context for the album and the songs on it - watch it! For example, here, the flight of the snowman in the film reaches a section where the ghost river cones into view. When the album came out, Tuomas said:m 'life is the ultimate privilege; a river filled with wonders and horrors. Love, sorrow, beauty, evil and temptation, and we need them all to survive and enjoy the journey. Good, Evil, Pain and Pleasure' The chanting of the Young Musicians London choir cast Marco as the Pied Piper luring children into the darkness. Marco's role in the film references Snow White and bridge-dwelling trolls; Anette takes a motherly tone, insisting to 'never lose your heart' as she begs us to come across; Floor translates this better and can really act the temptress. In an interview with an Italian metal magazine, Tuomas described the two characters as "the devil and mother Gaia'. Emppu, who in case you hadn't noticed, is a GOAT. Stratele Studios' Jeff did a two-part video just on the guitar part of this! Also worth watching

Emppu is a great guitarist! I love listening to him play. This is my favorite live song of all time. This performance is freaking epic.

Well, now I have to subscribe !!!!! This song is from "Imaginaerum" (the seventh studio album from Anette era). Marko has great menacing tone here , and Floor Growls ( only few will notes this, and I think you did). Plus , this song has a crazy Van Halen Vibe to it, especially opening riff ( Van Halen - Aint Talkin' Bout Love comes to mind ). This song took me several listens and deep dive at first , and now I listen this song daily . Love this song !!! PS: Bare in mind, in Wembley version (Ultimate Version, get's ignored by most reactors du the lack of views 😒) and a song called "Yours is an empty hope", You can see and hear Demon Floor!!! I will accompany you in your Nightwish journey !!!! NWSU/FloorFan 🤘😎🤘.

Great reaction Cosmic, Ghost River is def the dark, foreboding side. Marko brings the power.. angry, dangerous, forbidding, just like a Ghost river should be. Of course Floor is there to make it all right lol. Yeah that riff especially harkened me back to the 80s Hard Rock stuff for sure. I'd be down for a live stream on a weekend sometime. Keep it up Cosmic, love it bro!

We are in full concurrency. This entire concert is on the permanent rotation in my brain. Their absolute prime for me personally. All the stars aligned on this night. Btw it was mixed by Marko.

Hello again, Cosmic. Yes, Nightwish plays with every emotion and in this particular song, it is like a fairy queen versus the devil. This is a recurring theme in several of their songs and it sounds so fantastic. Loved your reaction. Keep the Nightwish live with Floor coming.

Great reaction to an amazing song. 🤘😎🍺

Prepare to have other favorites. Nightwish has such a wide range of songs and covers so many dimensions of taste that usually yoru favorite song is the last one you heard, and will change depending on your mood. I gave up having a favorite song, I just enjoy all of it whenever I feel like. Having a favorite just diminishes all of them for me. Different favorites for different moments and different reasons is the way to go. I recommend Seven Days to the Wolves next, Live at Wembley. Or Weak Fantasy live at Tampere. Change the concerts up a bit :)

Love your reactions and i love that you're just going through all of Wacken. Not one song will disappoint. Just frustrating to pick a favorite...oh! The trials 😂

Nice reaction, Cosmic! About ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’: you should pick the Tampere (w lyrics) version. It’s the best in many ways imo. Especially Floor’s singing is next level 2.0. It’s about evolution. From the birth of the universe to the destruction of mankind with still a very positive finale. P.S. hang out with Floor first!😄

With the cadence of this song, all you can do is ... stank-face. It's so raw and powerful, and Marko showing his chops as a lead singer, so tasty!

I love this 🤘🖤🤘

Marko's character telling you what will happen if you cross the river - but Floor, beautifully, LURING you across - which one was "evil"!!!!?

you want Floor growling? Take a look at her former Bands or go for Nightwishs "Yours is an empty Hope". Many are so confused that they think it is Marco growling ^^

Great reactions man! You're quickly becoming one of my favourite reactors :D You've unlocked Nightwish and recently Wintersun (my favourite), so next Amorphis and Insomnium ;) And if you like Marko Hietala's singing, check out Jonas And I Savo's song live featuring Marko Hietala. That's a great song.

If you ever get a chance check out Marko's band Tarot. "Ashes to the Stars" or "I Walk Forever." Great reaction as always!

Excellent choice, this is probably my favorite of the 2013 Wacken gig. This song's always been something else, even with Anette on the album, but, well, everything gets better with Floor by a league. Ghost River is full of goosebump parts: The first when Emppu brutally shreds immediately before the chorus, the second with Marco's vocals (when does this man take a breath?), the third when Floor sings over Marco's chorus so hauntingly, the fourth when she finishes with a growl, and the fifth and biggest when the song comes to a halt, and within a second Floor changes the atmosphere completely and just by the tone of her voice immediately gives me a lump in my throat. It cannot be said often enough: Every single member of this band is a master of his or her craft. Unfortunately Jukka, like most drummers, doesn't get as much recognition as he deserves - his animalistic body language and his aggressive facial expressions alone make him a joy to watch. Nothing against his successor, Kai, who's a human metronome, but when Jukka hits his drums like they owe him money, I'm already a happy guy, regardless of the song.

I’m subscribing just because I see how much you love Nightwish ❤❤❤ great reaction. I love this song so much.

"and then that one part when floor comes in... it's haunting and beautiful.." ... and here I thought you were going to mention the little bits of growl she throws in right before the chorus. Emppu's riff has just a touch of EVH in it, which is so not metal, but it's a great nod of the cap to yet another influence in this music... mostly the smiles and good times on the stage. I wonder if he's using a 5150 model on his Kemper for this one? It would not surprise me in the least. Marko. Markomarkomarko. He goes nearly full vocal-psycho on this one. The dark lyrics fit so well. Beer and cheeseburger? Sure why not. But just like sausage, you probably don't want to see how his vocal character would make that patty. (the topic is kinda germane, considering the economic history of Wacken...something to go look up.) Anyway, you must be up to about 10 out of 13 from Wacken? See you next in Buenos Aries, Mexico City, and Tampere. Enjoy !

A sub for this one, keep up the good job. All the best from Sweden.